At about 8:14pm, on Thursday, March 13, 2008, officers from Area E-18 (Hyde Park) responded to a radio call for shots fired in the area of Hyde Park Avenue and Grantley Street. On arrival, officers spoke to witnesses who stated that they saw a kid, approximately 15 years old, lighting off fireworks. Witnesses further stated that they saw the juvenile run into a residence at 5 A Street. As a result, officers approached the residence and knocked on the door. In short time, a juvenile, matching the description provided by witnesses, answered the door. When asked if he had been setting off fireworks, the suspect stated, “Yes.” When asked if there were any fireworks on the premise, the suspect stated yes and, then, proceeded to lead officers inside the location. Once inside, officers were able to locate and recover the fireworks. While confiscating the fireworks, officers were able to hear the sound of babies crying. When asked about the crying babies, the suspect told officers, “I was supposed to be watching them.” A search of the residence enabled officers to locate five children. The children ranged in age from infant to 9 year-old. All of the children were ill clothed and smelled of urine. Further, officers observed feces on the children, on the floor and on the walls.Boston EMS responded and transported the five children to Children’s Hospital for evaluation purposes. Officers also located a room full of cats. The cats were malnourished and the room was filled with animal feces. Animal Control responded and removed the cats.
Approximately 15 minutes later, the parents of the children showed up on the scene. When asked to explain their absence, the parents stated that they had left their 15 year-old son in charge of watching the children. Additionally, the parents stated that the children’s grandparents were also in the home to watch the children. Officers were able to confirm the presence of the grandparents. Due to the uninhabitable conditions of the premise, Inspectional Services responded to the scene and condemned the location. A 51A form (a report filed when officers encounter or observe neglected children under 18) has been filed with the Department of Social Services. While DSS conducts its investigation, the children will remain in DSS custody.